DVSA Show Me, Tell Me Practice Quiz

Answer: The brakes should be tested as the vehicle sets off. They should not feel spongy or slack, and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

Test the brakes as you move off at low speed. The pedal should feel firm rather than spongy or slack, and the car should slow in a straight line without pulling to one side. A dashboard light alone does not prove the brakes work, and heavy braking at speed is neither necessary nor safe.

Answer: The pressures are shown in the manufacturer's guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust the pressures when the tyres are cold, don't forget the spare where one is fitted, and refit the valve caps afterwards.

The recommended pressures are in the manufacturer's guide — often repeated on a label in the door shut or fuel filler flap. Use a reliable gauge, check and adjust the tyres while they are cold, include the spare if the car carries one, and replace the valve caps when you have finished.

Answer: The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eyes or the top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Some head restraints are not adjustable.

The rigid part of the restraint should sit at least level with your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. Note that some head restraints are fixed and cannot be adjusted.

Answer: There should be no cuts or bulges, and the tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Look over each tyre for cuts and bulges, then check the tread. The legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth and around its entire outer circumference — on every tyre, not just the front ones.

Answer: Operate the light switch, turning on the ignition first if necessary, then walk round the vehicle to check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Turn on the ignition if the car needs it, operate the correct light switch, and explain that you would walk around the vehicle to see that the headlights and tail lights are all working.

Answer: A warning light would illuminate if there was a fault with the ABS.

An ABS warning light on the dashboard illuminates if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. If it stays on, the car should be checked before further driving.

Answer: Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and walk round the vehicle to check that all the indicators are working, or check the relevant tell-tale indicators.

Operate the indicators or the hazard warning switch, then explain that you would walk around the vehicle to confirm that each one flashes — or check the tell-tale indicators on the dashboard.

Answer: Operate the brake pedal and make use of reflections in windows or garage doors, or ask someone to stand behind the vehicle and check them.

Press the brake pedal and look for the reflected glow in a window, garage door or a wall behind the car — or ask somebody to stand safely behind the vehicle and confirm the lights come on.

Answer: If the power-assisted steering was broken, the steering would feel heavy. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel while the engine is started should produce noticeable movement as the system begins to operate, or the steering should respond normally as the vehicle begins to move.

Paul's simple way of remembering it: if the power-assisted steering was broken, the steering would feel heavy. Holding gentle pressure on the wheel as the engine starts should produce a slight but noticeable movement as the assistance takes over, or the steering should simply feel normal and light as the car starts to move.

Answer: Operate the switch, turning on the ignition and dipped headlights if required, and check that the warning light is illuminated. Use them only when visibility is seriously reduced — generally when you can see less than 100 metres.

Turn on the ignition and dipped headlights if the car requires it, operate the rear fog light control, and confirm the warning light is on. Rear fog lights must only be used when visibility is seriously reduced — generally less than 100 metres — and must be switched off when visibility improves.

Answer: Operate the main beam control, switching on the ignition or engine if necessary, and check that the blue main beam warning light on the dashboard is illuminated.

Turn on the ignition or engine if required, operate the headlight stalk to select main beam, and confirm it by the blue main beam warning light on the instrument panel.

Answer: Identify the dipstick or the electronic oil level indicator, and check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum markers.

Find the dipstick — or the electronic oil level display where the car has one — and check that the level sits between the minimum and maximum markings.

Answer: Identify the header tank, check the coolant level against the high and low markings when the engine is cold, and top up to the correct level if necessary.

Identify the coolant header tank and check the level against the high and low markings while the engine is cold, topping up correctly if needed. Never open a hot, pressurised cooling system — escaping steam and coolant can cause serious burns.

Answer: Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check that the fluid level is between the maximum and minimum markings.

Locate the brake fluid reservoir and check that the fluid sits between the minimum and maximum markings. A falling level can indicate wear or a leak and should be investigated.